Beautifully composed engraving of a grim subject, prepared as plate 31 for the folio atlas to George Staunton's account of the Macartney Embassy to China of 1793.
The figures in the foreground and the standing figures in the middle distance all have their backs turned away from the central drama: punishment of a criminal.
The artist, William Alexander (1767- 1816) has rendered fine architectural detail as well as capturing the natural world and background imagery: a water-carrier may be glimpsed and a laden vessel is anchored in the distant harbour.
William Alexander was an English painter, illustrator and engraver. The hallmarks of his work, usually executed in watercolours, were clearness and harmony of colour, simplicity and taste in composition, grace of outline, and delicacy of execution.
He accompanied the Macartney Embassy to China in 1792.
